The Canadian government bets big on transit

As public transportation leaders in the United States continue to wait for details about President Donald Trump’s proposed $1 trillion infrastructure plan, Canadians are forging ahead with a number of transit expansion projects of national significance.

Last month, the Canadian federal government announced financial support for three light-rail projects, including a new 41-mile system in Montreal. The 2016 federal budget proposed CA$3.4 billion to upgrade and improve public transit systems across the nation.

In total, the Canadian government plans to invest CA$11.9 billion in public infrastructure over five years, beginning in 2016.

On June 15, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada will provide CA$1.3 billion to help build a new light-rail network in Montreal. The funds will make it possible to finalize the project’s financing and meet the construction schedule established by the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ).

An institutional investor that oversees public pension plans in Quebec, CDPQ is providing CA$3 billion toward the CA$6 billion project, which is known as the Reseau Electrique Metropolitain (REM). The Quebec government earlier this year committed CA$1.28 billion toward the REM.

A world-class system

The system would include 27 stations connecting downtown Montreal, suburban areas and Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport. When completed, the REM would be the fourth largest automated transportation system in the world after Singapore, Dubai and Vancouver, according to the project website. The system is expected to be in operation by 2020’s end.

“The REM is one of the most ambitious public transportation projects in our history,” Trudeau said in a press release. “In addition to making it quicker and easier for millions of Quebec residents to get around, the REM will reduce the number of cars on the roads, help ease traffic and make the air cleaner.”

The route will originate at the Toronto Transit Commission’s future Finch West subway station on the Toronto-York Spadina expansion. Compared to existing bus service, the light-rail line will provide faster trips along the Finch West corridor, according to Infrastructure Canada officials.